Nutritional Information
USDA Guidelines
Alfalfa guidelines (for domestic livestock use and not more than 10% grass)
| Quality: | ADF: | NDF: | RFV*: | TDN-100%**: | TDN-90%**: | CP: |
| Supreme | < 27 | < 34 | > 185 | > 62 | > 55.9 | > 22 |
| Premium | 27 – 29 | 34 – 36 | 170 – 185 | 60.5 – 62 | 54.5 – 55.9 | 20 – 22 |
| Good | 29 – 32 | 36 – 40 | 150 – 170 | 58 – 60 | 52.5 – 54.5 | 18 – 20 |
*RFV calculated using the Wis/Minn formula.
**TDN calculated using the western formula.
Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding value. Values based on 100% dry matter (TDN showing both 100% & 90%). Guidelines are to be used with visual appearance and intent of Sale (usage).
Grass Hay Guidelines
| Quality: | Crude Protein Percent: |
| Premium | Over 13 |
| Good | 9 – 13 |
Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding value. Values based on 100% dry matter. End usage may influence hay price or value more than testing results.
Hay Quality Designations Physical Descriptions:
Supreme: Very early maturity, pre bloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage.
Premium: Early maturity, i.e., pre-bloom in legumes and pre head in grass hays, extra leafy and fine stemmed-factors indicative of a high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage.
Good: Early to average maturity, i.e., early to mid-bloom in legumes and early head in grass hays, leafy, fine to medium-stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration.
For more information follow the link to go to: http://www.ams.usda.gov